Clinton County, Michigan – A Michigan State Police (MSP) trooper has been suspended and could face criminal charges after a preliminary investigation determined he was at-fault in a fatal 3-vehicle accident involving a semi-truck last Friday night.

On Monday, MSP announced it had suspended a male trooper who caused a fatal crash at the intersection of Business 127 and Cutler Road, in Dewitt Township, that resulted in the death of 26-year-old David G. Engel, of Dewitt.

The crash occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on Friday, July 19 as the trooper, whose identity is being withheld by police, was en route to a robbery in progress at a local retail store.

Investigators say the trooper was westbound on Cutler Road with lights and siren engaged when he entered the intersection and struck the rear of a semi-truck that was traveling northbound on Business 127.

Investigators did not say how fast the trooper was traveling at the time.

However, the impact of the collision caused the semi-truck to strike Engel’s vehicle which was stopped southbound on Business 127, waiting to turn left on Cutler Road.

Engel was pronounced dead on the scene.

The semi-truck driver did not report any injuries, while the trooper reported only minor injuries.

When announcing the suspension of the trooper, MSP 1st Lt. Darren Green said police officers are obligated to drive in a way that doesn’t endanger themselves or the public even when they are responding to emergencies.

Green said MSP hopes to finish its ongoing investigation in an expeditious manner.

Further, he indicated that once MSP delivers its findings to the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office criminal charges could be filed.

Transportation Nation Network will continue to monitor the investigation.

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